Podcast Episode 140: What if I am not invited in an Express Entry Draw? Host: Mark HoltheGuest: Alicia Backman-Beharry Introduction: Welcome to another episode of the Canadian Immigration Podcast. In today’s episode, we delve into what happens if you are not invited in an Express Entry draw, a pertinent question for many amidst the high CRS scores of recent general draws. Key Points: Overview of Express Entry: Explanation of the Express Entry system, which started in January...

Title: Making Sense of the Filipino Temporary Foreign Worker Exit Visa Requirements Introduction: Welcome back to another episode of the Canadian Immigration Podcast. Today, we delve into one of the most complex aspects of immigration for Filipino workers—the exit visa requirements. This episode, which is also available as a vodcast on our Canadian Immigration Institute YouTube channel, features a special guest, Canadian Immigration Lawyer Lou Janssen Dangzalan. Key...

Welcome to Episode 138 of the Canadian Immigration Podcast. In this episode, Mark Holthe and Alicia delve into the freshly released Budget 2024 to unearth the key takeaways impacting immigration. They offer insights into the potential directional shifts in policies based on where the government is channelling its financial resources. Key Highlights: Stabilization of the Refugee System: Discussion on the government's dual strategy to reduce asylum claims and manage the expulsion of...

Welcome to Episode 137 of the Canadian Immigration Podcast. In this deep dive, your host, Canadian immigration lawyer Mark Holthe, along with co-host Alicia Backman-Beharry, unpack the complexities and risks of flagpoling, a practice many temporary residents in Canada consider for swiftly adjusting their immigration status. Key Highlights: Understanding Flagpoling: Flagpoling involves leaving Canada, usually at a U.S. land border, and re-entering to activate a new immigration status or...

Show Notes for Canadian Immigration Podcast Episode 136: The Future of Immigration in Canada 2024 Welcome to Episode 136 of the Canadian Immigration Podcast. In this episode, Mark Holthe and Alicia Backman-Beharry discuss the future of immigration in Canada as we continue into 2024, focusing on recent announcements by Immigration Minister Sean Fraser and the potential impact on temporary and permanent residency pathways. Key Highlights: Minister's Speech on Immigration Intentions:...

Show Notes for Canadian Immigration Podcast Episode 135: Humanitarian and Compassionate Applications - When All Else Fails! Welcome to Episode 135 of the Canadian Immigration Podcast. In this episode, Mark Holthe and special guest Ronalee Carey, a Canadian immigration lawyer based in Ottawa, discuss the intricacies of Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) applications in Canada. This episode provides valuable insights for those considering an H&C application as a last resort for...

Show Notes for Canadian Immigration Podcast Episode 134: Top 10 Essentials for Employers with Foreign Workers Welcome to Episode 134 of the Canadian Immigration Podcast, where hosts Mark Holthe and Alicia Backman-Beharry discuss the Top 10 Essentials employers should know when hiring foreign workers. This episode provides valuable insights and guidance for employers navigating the complexities of Canadian immigration law as they try to retain their workers in a volatile market. Key...

Welcome to Episode 133 of the Canadian Immigration Podcast, where we dive into the newly announced Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) Tourism and Hospitality Stream. Host Alicia Backman-Beharry and guest Igor Kyryliuk discuss the implications of this new stream and provide valuable tips for potential applicants.[NOTE: As of the release of this episode, the AAIP has confirmed the first phase of the program is now closed. If filled extremely fast, but the AAIP will open future...

Welcome to Episode 132 of the Canadian Immigration Podcast, where we dive into the recent changes to the Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS) and the introduction of a new pathway for the tourism and hospitality sector. Host Alicia Backman-Beharry is joined by articling student Igor Kyryliuk to discuss these significant updates and their impact on potential applicants, especially within the Ukrainian community in Alberta. Key Highlights: Closure of Alberta Opportunity Stream: The Alberta...

Title: Express Entry - Top 5 Wrong Answers in Online Forums Host: Mark Holthe Sponsor: Joorney Business Plans - The leading immigration business plan writing service provider in Canada. Mention the code HOLTHEJOORNEY10 for a 10% discount on your first business plan. Introduction: In this episode, Mark Holthe sets the stage for debunking common misconceptions found in online forums regarding the Express Entry system. Key Points: Can you claim work experience while studying full-time...

Title: Navigating Work Permit Options Under the Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement Host: Mark Holthe Guest: Alicia Backman-Beharry Introduction: Mark Holthe welcomes listeners to the podcast and introduces the topic of free trade agreements, specifically focusing on the Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement. Alicia provides insights on the status and history of the agreement, highlighting its importance and recent updates. Key Points: Historical Context: Alicia discusses the Canada-Chile...

In this episode of our Business Immigration Series, Mark Holthe and Alicia Backman-Beharry discuss one of the oldest and often underutilized Free Trade Agreement Work Permits, the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS).  Key Highlights: Understanding GATS: GATS is a free trade agreement under the World Trade Organization that facilitates the temporary entry of professionals and businesspersons among member countries. Despite being less commonly used, GATS covers significant ground...

In this episode of our Business Immigration Series, we navigate the intricacies of the C10 Significant Benefit Work Permit, a cornerstone of Canada's International Mobility Program. Unpack the nuances of how this permit enables employers to hire temporary workers without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).  We delve into the flexibility provided by Paragraph 205(a) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR), exploring how it allows officers to respond to...

This is a continuation of our previous discussion with Pantea Jarafi regarding the systemic refusals of Canadian Self Employed applications in the Warsaw office. Mark Holthe and Pantea discuss the class-action case of Tafreshi v MCI 2022 FC 1089, and the struggle that 110 applicants have had to go through to obtain justice from IRCC. The issues to lie in a calculated and systemic refusal of Self-Employed applications in the Warsaw office and a refusal on the part of IRCC to adhere to the rule...

In this Episode 126 of the Canadian Immigration Podcast, Mark Holthe and Alicia Backman-Beharry tackle the intricacies of the Recognized Employer Pilot program, designed to simplify the LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) process and reward employers with high standards. The podcast episode outlines key eligibility criteria, explores the program's benefits, and highlights potential challenges for businesses navigating the Canadian immigration landscape.   Here are just few things that...

💻 BOOK AN IMMIGRATION CONSULTATION: https://bit.ly/3QBDyf6 —— 🔺CANADIAN IMMIGRATION INSTITUTE COMMUNITY: https://bit.ly/cii-community —— About our Sponsor - Joorney Business Plans: Joorney Business Plans is the leading immigration business plan writing service provider in Canada. With more than ten years of experience, Joorney has grown to become a trusted partner for immigration consultants and lawyers. Joorney focuses on preparing business plans for ICTs, Startup Visa, Significant Benefit,...

  💻 BOOK AN IMMIGRATION CONSULTATION: https://bit.ly/3QBDyf6 —— 🔺CANADIAN IMMIGRATION INSTITUTE COMMUNITY: https://bit.ly/cii-community —— About our Sponsor - Joorney Business Plans: Joorney Business Plans is the leading immigration business plan writing service provider in Canada. With more than ten years of experience, Joorney has grown to become a trusted partner for immigration consultants and lawyers. Joorney focuses on preparing business plans for ICTs, Startup Visa, Significant...

About our Sponsors - Joorney Business Plans: Joorney Business Plans is the leading immigration business plan writing service provider in Canada. With more than ten years of experience, Joorney has grown to become a trusted partner for immigration consultants and lawyers. Joorney focuses on preparing business plans for ICTs, Startup Visa, Significant Benefit, Self Employed, PNPs, and more. Their main competitive advantages are reliability, responsiveness, and overall customer service. For...

In episode 122 of the Canadian Immigration Podcast, the focus is on the top 10 crucial considerations when bringing an employee under a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Mark Holthe, the seasoned immigration lawyer hosting the episode, expertly explores these key points and questions that can make or break an international hiring process. From examining the reciprocal relationships outlined in the FTA with the employee's country of origin to determining whether the FTA applies exclusively to...

Today, we're diving deep into the complexities of Employer Portal, offering guidance to employers and temporary foreign workers dealing with LMIA exemptions and employer-specific work permits. It can be a challenging journey, but understanding the process is key to a smoother experience. Let's explore the steps and potential pitfalls. REGISTERING FOR EMPLOYER PORTAL: To kick things off, when an employee needs an employer-specific work permit but qualifies for an LMIA exempt category,...

About our Sponsors - Joorney Business Plans: Joorney Business Plans is the leading immigration business plan writing service provider in Canada. With more than ten years of experience, Joorney has grown to become a trusted partner for immigration consultants and lawyers. Joorney focuses on preparing business plans for ICTs, Startup Visa, Significant Benefit, Self Employed, PNPs, and more. Their main competitive advantages are reliability, responsiveness, and overall customer service. For...

About our Sponsors - Joorney Business Plans: Joorney Business Plans is the leading immigration business plan writing service provider in Canada. With more than ten years of experience, Joorney has grown to become a trusted partner for immigration consultants and lawyers. Joorney focuses on preparing business plans for ICTs, Startup Visa, Significant Benefit, Self Employed, PNPs, and more. Their main competitive advantages are reliability, responsiveness, and overall customer service. For...

What to do when it all goes wrong? A discussion about how to get errors fixed for study permits, work permits, visitor visa or permanent residence. Examples will include what to do when you (the applicant) make a mistake, and what to do when IRCC makes a mistake.   When you make a mistake: What can you do if you didn’t understand? If you forgot something? Can you appeal? When IRCC makes a mistake: How can you contact IRCC to get them to fix it? What happens next?   Get in touch with...

Join Mark Holthe and Pantea Jafari as they discuss the recent case of Tafreshi v MCI 2022 FC 1089, and the struggle that 110 applicants have had to go through before they get justice from IRCC. The issue lies in a calculated systemic refusal of the Self-Employed applications in the Warsaw office. Connect with Pantea if you feel like you're affected by a similar issue or if you need help with a judicial review of your refused...